The Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP) announces Artwalk, the first village-wide event of its kind in Sandy Hook Village, where talented and inspirational artists from around the state will share their visual works with community attendees. The self-guided event will launch on September 6, at 11:30 am, and will continue for four weeks.

The hope, say organizers, is that Artwalk will be an ongoing and ever-changing event throughout the year.

Beginning September 6, participants can pick up a free Artwalk map and information sheet at most of the Sandy Hook Village shops and restaurants.

The event’s theme, a literal translation of an Indian name given to the river that runs through Sandy Hook village, is “A Gathering of Waters.” The aptly named event will showcase paintings, sculpture, photography and mixed media, set up in many of the participating along the beautiful Pootatuck River that runs through the village and in many shops and businesses open to the public. Outdoor sculptures will also be featured throughout the village.

In addition to promoting a healthy, pedestrian lifestyle, through increased awareness and appreciation of art in the walkable downtown business district, the Artwalk will allow visitors to discover what wonderful shopping and dining the village has to offer. The event organizers hope to attract art lovers from around the state of Connecticut to the lovely village of Sandy Hook to stroll through the village with family and friends.

Enhancing Artwalk on September 6 will be the “Choose Love” Concert featuring the Beatles tribute band, Ticket to Ride. The performance will be from 1 to 3 pm at the stage in Sandy Hook Village Green, behind Village Perk Café at 3 Glen Road. These combined Sandy Hook cultural art events will also help kick off the 2014 Newtown Cultural Arts Festival, a nine-day, multi-event townwide festival celebrating and showcasing a wide variety of artistic talent.

The arts festival will feature a juried artist market, art exhibits, workshops & presentations, hands-on activities, and a wide-variety of live performances. You can learn more about the Newtown Cultural Arts Festival at www.newtownartsfestival.com.

Artisans interested in displaying and/or selling their art during the next Artwalk, in October, should contact SHOP Marketing Director Melissa Lopata at 917-767-5283 or MelissaLopata@gmail.com, or visit www.facebook.com/SHOP.